the gallery of serendipity
Benedict Bridgerton becomes a little too curious when he sees a lady such as yourself hidden away from the ball in the artistry gallery. / fluff / fem reader
Paintings were able to uplift all spirits, regardless of how dire their circumstances may be. However, the ton that toured the gallery was entirely careless with the pieces of art that sat before them. Luckily, the mistreatment of the artwork was a blessing in disguise, rewarding me with a plea to flee from all suitors.
An exquisite painting was merely disregarded to the side, raising bewilderment and slight fury at the fact that someone could be ever so careless. I politely excused myself from my current suitor, being able to put the oeuvre safely back in its place.
The enormous entrance closes behind me with a sound barely louder than a tiptoe, and for the first time that evening, I disburden my lungs from built-up breath. The noise of the ball, the music, laughter, the endless questions, "Do any gentlemen take your fancy?" "Do you wish to have a family?" But as soon as I stepped foot into the gallery of hopes and dreams, all expectations fell away at once.
The lanterns along the walls cast soft halos of light, leaving the corners of the rooms with a soft and gentle shadow. I paused in admiration, taking each and every one of the paint strokes in, using my imagination to interpret a story for each art piece. "These paintings have been dismissed by the ton too quickly. They are unremarkable." I spoke, my words imperceptible.
I walked deeper into the gallery, the footsteps that belonged to me, softened instinctively. I knew exactly where the piece belonged, seeing the empty space among the others.
Carefully, I placed the work onto the wall, as if it were a delicate vase just waiting to smash. Standing back to view the painting that sat peacefully on the wall, that's when I found out the presence of another. Which led me to abruptly turn around, my dress flying through the air like a scared pigeon, facing the silhouette.
"Forgive me," the voice was soft, which calmed your panic down a tad. "I did not mean to intrude."
He, I assumed, stood a few paces back from where I stood, “Uh.. No worries, my Lord.” He slowly made way into the light, finally casting shadows in certain places, but not his entire face. Making his feature more deceptive. “May I ask the lady of her name?” I stared at him, trying to find an answer, not sure whether his knowing of your name was a good or bad thing. “What could you possibly need it for?”
“So I’m able to address you properly,” his eyes scanned over my face, as if he were trying to break and churn me down, almost trying to figure out what I possess as a person. You turn to face the paintings, hoping that hiding away would make the Lord leave you to be. Except his presence seemed to be a lot louder than the faded laughter and music. “Miss L/N.. and you?”
“So, Miss L/N, shouldn’t you be at the ball?” dismissing my question, making his way to stand right beside me, except i cant bare the thought of trying to look him in the eye. “Yes, I should, but I’m clearly not. What is it to you, My Lord?”
“I’m curious, is all, most ladies would be in there having the time of their lives, so My Lady, why aren’t you with them enjoying your evening?”
“With all due respect, My Lord, not everyone is comparable, even a Lady. And I am simply admiring the amazing art before me, when some inconsiderate, thoughtless Automaton decided to throw this art piece on the floor. I naturally felt the need to take care of such a piece and put it back in its place.” I purse my lips, eyes still staring at the art, appreciating each delicate stroke. The artist, whoever painted such a beauty, was more than talented, worth millions.
“You’re right, My Lady, and not just that, you have excellent taste.” He pointed out that it made you feel happy, even though you weren’t an artist yourself; you were glad that someone had the same level of respect for art as you did. “Thank you, My Lord. It seems you do as well. Whoever painted this piece is quite talented.”
“And although I do enjoy your company.” I look him in the eye, smiling, trying my hardest to be polite. “We must not risk being seen with one another; you must go.” He laughed quietly, but enough for my ears to just pick up. “You’re right. It was a pleasure seeing you, My Lady.” He turned around to leave, “The pleasure was all mine.” I curtsy, still smiling out of respect.
And before the young man stepped out from the room, he left me with one more thing. “Oh, and thank you, I’m glad someone other than stuck-up mothers who use art as a way to show of riches, enjoys my artistry.” He smirked. I stood there stunned, trying to process what the man had just said. Although it may have come to you as a surprise, it was rather fascinating to be able to put a face and a name.. You didn’t get his name. But now there was more for you to think about, and that made it all the more fun.
